A collective excitement filled the air as plates of golden chicken nuggets adorned with sauces were served, paired with elegant wines characterized by floral and mandarin notes. This was no ordinary gathering; it was the Crystal Palace Wine Club’s innovative junk food and wine pairing night, a hit among London’s trendier young adults. The club,… Read More »
Dobričić is a unique grape variety from the Croatian island of Šolta, which was nearly extinct until the early 2000s. Once upon a time, it played a significant role as one of the parent grapes of Croatia’s flagship variety, Plavac Mali. Vicko Kaštelanac, a winemaker on the island, emphasizes the grape’s intriguing qualities by referring… Read More »
This tasting event showcased an exceptional selection of artisan Champagnes presented by the UK wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd. The collection comprised both grower Champagnes and those from smaller houses that often operate similarly to growers. Many of these selections were new discoveries for attendees. The offerings become available for purchase on October 6.… Read More »
After tasting over 100 wines for the annual Barossa Shiraz vintage report, a new narrative emerges for the region, showcasing a fresh approach to winemaking. This shift emphasizes elegance, nuance, and sophistication, stepping away from the previously dominant trend of producing heavily oaked and excessively ripe wines. This transformation is spearheaded by innovative winemakers like… Read More »
I recently purchased Waitrose No 1 Don Gaspar Dry Amontillado Sherry with the intention of using it in a special recipe. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find it to be an exceptional wine on its own. With its current promotional price at Waitrose, it’s an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a quality sherry… Read More »
Recently, Turkish glassware brand Nude has introduced a collection of 70ml Welcome Drink glasses, designed to cater to a growing trend among consumers who prefer smaller servings. Priced at £28, these glasses are part of the Bar/Giani collection, crafted by Giorgio Bargiani, assistant director of mixology at the renowned Connaught Bar in London. Made from… Read More »
On a rare visit to London, Paul-Vincent Avril, the proprietor of Clos des Papes, presented a selection of his esteemed red and white wines at Berry Bros & Rudd cellars. He shared insights into the philosophy and techniques that shape his winemaking. After returning to his family estate in 1987, following enology studies in Burgundy,… Read More »
At a recent event in London, I had the opportunity to taste a variety of Moldovan wines. Despite being one of the few wine regions I hadn’t yet visited, I previously concluded an extensive exploration of Moldovan wine, having tasted 178 different samples. Moldova boasts a remarkable 109,700 hectares of vineyards situated between latitudes 45… Read More »
English professional golfer Matt Wallace shares his passion for wine, which ignited during a unique pro-am tournament. At Château Montrose in 2018, Wallace was paid in wine instead of cash, allowing him to taste various vintages. This experience sparked a curiosity about the complexities of wine from the same vineyard. Wallace and his fiancée, Emily… Read More »
As tastings go, a recent event featuring 20 years of Kumeu River’s Hunting Hill Chardonnay was truly exceptional. Paul Brajkovich attended the session, representing the family, while Stephen Browett, an ardent admirer of Kumeu River wines, hosted the tasting at Farr Vintners. Browett has been a fan since his first visit to Kumeu in January… Read More »